Research Associate - Timely Project (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Cambridge is seeking a Research Associate to improve research and healthcare pathways for children. The role involves leading qualitative research projects, collaborating with various stakeholders, and ensuring effective patient and public engagement. Candidates should possess or be nearing completion of a PhD, with relevant experience in qualitative methods. Attractive fixed-term contract with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Must have or be close to obtaining a PhD.
• Experience in qualitative research methods and PPIE.
• Ability to engage with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects in the Timely programme to improve research and healthcare pathways.
• Focus on qualitative research activities and manage a Research Assistant.
• Plan and manage qualitative research activities including data collection and analysis.

Skills

Qualitative research methods

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)

Communication skills

Project management skills

Education

PhD or nearing completion

Job description

Overview

Full Time,1 year fixed term contract with the possibility of extension

We wish to appoint a Research Associate working 37 hours per week to join the Timely Team in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, on a 1-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension. The Timely programme is working to deliver digitally supported pathways for early identification and prevention of health problems in children and young people ( https://timely.org.uk/ ). Inclusive of a national data platform to support paediatric research ( https://cadre.org.uk/ ).

The appointee will focus on qualitative research activities and Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE). The appointee will work within a key workstream of the Timely programme (Product and Partnerships) as well as collaborating with the broader team. Other workstreams include, Data Curation and Transformation, Technical Delivery, Information Governance and Legal, and AI Development.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects within the Timely programme that have the potential to significantly improve research and healthcare pathways. Collaborate with multiple agencies and industry and ultimately make a meaningful impact on children's lives.
• Focus on qualitative research activities and PPIE; line manage a Research Assistant and provide academic supervision and guidance to students.
• Plan, manage and advise on the delivery of qualitative research activities including (not limited to) systematic literature reviews, data collection (e.g., focus groups), data analysis (e.g., thematic), and publications.
• Plan and manage PPIE activities to support critical components of the programme—relating to industry access to data for research, engagement of displaced communities, and transparency with the public. This work includes reengaging and managing operations for CA:RING ( https://ca-ring.co.uk/ ).
• Broaden responsibilities to seeking and applying for funding to support continuation of work relevant to systems engineering and care pathway design, as well as PPIE.
• Attend the Cambridge office at least twice per week.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD. Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,132) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of the PhD award.
• Experience in qualitative research methods and PPIE; ability to engage with multiple stakeholders; line management experience may be required.
• Good communication and project management skills; ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.

Application process

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Jessica Young, Digital Research Project Manager at [e-mail]

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. Upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing date: 26 October 2025

Interview date: 12 November 2025

Please quote reference RN47427 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Equality, diversity and eligibility

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.